Increase in online consultations on mental health issues: Study

CHENNAI: While there is an increase in incidences of mental health concerns among youngsters, the number of consultations over the last year also has increased.

An internal study by the online consultation platform, Practo, revealed a total of 44 per cent increase in consultations on mental health issues in the country.

Experts say that youngsters today are more aware of mental health issues and are actively seeking help to address it.

At least 57 per cent of the queries are from people in the age group of 25-34.

Of the total, 61 per cent were from males and 39 per cent were from females.

Substance abuse, anxiety and depression are the leading queries on the online consultation platform, of which 6 per cent are from Chennai.

There is a 28 per cent increase in queries on alcohol addiction, 53 per cent in drug abuse and 98 per cent in withdrawal symptoms.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorder and panic have increased in incidence, and Chennai accounts for 6 per cent of the total consultations in the country.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty, said, "Today’s fast-paced life has had adverse effects on mental well-being. So much so that 1 in 7 Indians are mentally ill. While there is a heightened awareness among young adults in the country, families with low awareness about mental health still act as speed breakers which can only be deflected through education. Because early identification of mental illness will help reduce the adverse impact. Additionally, an increase in the Emotional Contact Time (ECT) and Family Contact Time (FCT) among communities can also help".